Actuated hinge and cable assembly for use with computer display monitors

ABSTRACT

Embodiments are directed towards a support structure for electronic displays, such as a computer display monitor, tablet, or the like, such that a cable actuated hinge moves the display from an elevated vertical position away from a user to a lower horizontal position closer to the user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present patent application is a continuation of co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/168,788 filed on Jun. 24, 2011, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/487,576filed on May 18, 2011, the benefit of the earlier filing date of whichare hereby claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119 (e) and wherein each are furtherincorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments relate generally to computer display mountingdevices and more particularly, but not exclusively to a hinge and cableassembly that is useable for displays, such as touch screen displays,where the display is tilted away from a central mounting point by thecable pulling against a pivoting arm.

BACKGROUND

Electronic displays with data input capability may be considered ashaving two distinct usage modes. One usage mode is for informationdisplay, while a second usage mode is where a touch screen interactionand display are provided simultaneously. In the first usage mode, thetypical computer display involves a standard computer monitor, with anergonomic design that encourages the display to be at a typical arm'slength away from a user and at or slightly below eye level. However,this position may not be ideal for the second usage mode where touchingthe screen is intended as a primary method of input. For the secondusage mode, the display is often placed closer to the user, lower and ina more horizontal position than in a typical first usage mode. This canbe accomplished by placing the display at the end of an aim and pivotingthe arm from an elevated position to a lower position. The actions ofmoving the display closer to the user, lowering it, and titling it to amore horizontal position are among the considerations, that embodimentsof the present invention have been made.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with referenceto the following drawings. In the drawings, like reference numeralsrefer to like parts throughout the various figures unless otherwisespecified.

For a better understanding, reference will be made to the followingDetailed Description, which is to be read in association with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate perspective views of one embodiment of a wallmounted hinge with a cam rotated display in various angled positions;

FIG. 2 illustrates a second perspective view of one embodiment ofdetails of the wall mounted hinge of FIGS 1A-1C;

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a perspective view of anelevated hinge on a portable base with a cam rotated display in variousangled positions;

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a perspective view of a hingeon portable base with a fixed cable attachment point on a displaydevice;

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a perspective view of a wallmounted hinge with a fixed cable attachment point on a display deviceand a slack cable to impart rotation of the display device; and

FIGS. 6A-C provide one non-limiting, non-exhaustive example embodimentfor determining a cable attachment point location.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with referenceto the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show,by way of illustration, specific embodiments which may be practiced.This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms andshould not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein;rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope to those skilledin the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to betaken in a limiting sense.

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take themeanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. References to ‘one embodiment,” “an embodiment,”“another embodiment,” as used herein indicates that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment is included in at least one embodiment. However, the phrase“in one embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to thesame embodiment, though it may. Furthermore, the phrase “in anotherembodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to a differentembodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, variousembodiments may be readily combined.

In addition, as used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or”operator, and is equivalent to the term “and/or,” unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. The term “based on” is not exclusive andallows for being based on additional factors not described, unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout thespecification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferences. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.”

In addition, as used herein, the term “*display” is equivalent to theterm “display and/or display holder,” and refers to a situation whereeither item or both items can be used. The term is used to aid inreadability as this is a commonly referred to term herein.

The following briefly describes the various embodiments in order toprovide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. Thisbrief description is not intended as an extensive overview. It is notintended to identify key or critical elements, or to delineate orotherwise narrow the scope. Its purpose is merely to present someconcepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detaileddescription that is presented later.

Briefly stated embodiments are directed towards a hinge assembly for usewith a computer display device, the hinge having at least one rigid armthat is pivotally connected at one pivot point to a base and at anotherpivot point to a *display. A cable attaches between the base and the*display, as discussed further below. As the rigid arm is loweredtowards a surface, the cable pulls against the rigid arm and creates arotational moment about the pivot point where the rigid arm attaches tothe *display. This causes the *display to tilt away from the base in acontrolled manner.

In one embodiment, a computer *display is pivotally connected to atleast one display arm. The other end of the display arm(s) are pivotallyconnected to a base. When the display arm(s) points upward(perpendicular) from the base relative to the force of gravity, the*display hangs in a vertical position. One or more cable(s) arepivotally connected to the base. The cable(s) attaches to the *displaysuch that when the display arm(s) is pivoted downward the cable(s) pullsagainst the display arm(s) and toward the base. The cable(s) connectionpoint at the *display is offset from the display arm(s) pivot point suchthat when the cable is pulled, a torque is exerted on the *display totilt the *display away from the base. The cable connection point at thebase can be chosen such that the tilt of the *display in the lowerposition is controlled relative to the display arm's pivot angle.

As disclosed further below, an apparatus is disclosed for moving a*display from an elevated vertical position away from the user to alowered horizontal position closer to the user. Such arrangement isdirected towards providing a simplistic design for ease of manufactureand reliability of at least the apparatus. Other advantages of one ormore aspects will be apparent from consideration of the drawings andensuing description.

PARTIAL LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   11—Vertical Mounting Surface-   12—Display Arm Pivot Point at Base-   13—Adjustable Cable Attachment Point-   14—Display Arm-   15—Display Mount-   16—Cable-   17—Cable Point of Tangency-   18—Cam-   19—Display Arm Pivot Point at Display Mount-   20—Display-   21—Horizontal Tilt Adjustment Knob-   22—Attached Base-   23—Tilt Adjustment Screw-   24—Threaded Attachment Point-   25—Torsion Spring-   26—Shaft Connecting to Display Arms-   30—Torsion Spring Holder-   31—Horizontal Tilt Adjustment Knob-   32—Freestanding Base-   40—Horizontal Tilt Adjustment Screw-   41—Mounting Bracket for Tilt Screws-   42—Vertical Tilt Adjustment Screw-   43—Display in Vertical State-   44—Extension Spring-   45—Fixed Cable Connection Point to Display Mount-   46—Display Tablet-   47—Display Holder for Tablet Display or other Display Device-   48—Two Axis Cable Attachment-   49—Display in Horizontal State-   50—Attached Base with Fixed Cable Connection-   51—Fixed Cable Connection Point to Base-   52—Small Cam Offset from Rigid Arm Connection-   53—Display in Vertical Position-   54—Rotation Position when Cable Becomes Taut-   55—Horizontal Position

ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Each of the FIGURES discussed below may include many more or lesscomponents than those shown in the FIGURES. Moreover, not all thecomponents may be required to practice various embodiments andvariations in the arrangement and type of the components may be made.However, the components shown are sufficient to disclose variousillustrative embodiments for practicing the present invention.

FIGS. 1A-1C and 2 illustrate perspective views of one embodiment ofcable articulated hinge, mounted on a vertical surface, with a computerdisplay in various angled positions. As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 2,apparatus 100 includes base 22 attached to vertical surface 11. In oneembodiment, vertical surface 11 might be a wall. In one embodiment twodisplay arms 14 are rigidly attached to a shaft 26 that runs throughbase 22. A torsion spring 25 attaches to the shaft 26 and the base 22such that it provides a torque to rotate the display arms 14 upwards andtowards the vertical surface 11. In one embodiment, horizontaladjustment knob 21 attaches to tilt adjustment screw 23 such that bothrotate in unison. Tilt adjustment screw 23 passes thorough base 22,screws into threaded attachment point 24, and further then connects tobase 22 such that the screw 23 is anchored from moving in or outrelative base 22. Threaded attachment point 24 is connected toadjustable cable attachment point 13 such the both cable attachmentpoints 13 and 24 move when screw 23 is turned. Cable 16 pivotallyconnects to movable attachment point 13. Cable 16 extends to a cam 18 attangent point 17. In one embodiment, the cam 18 is circular and cable 16may be wrapped around and attached to the cam 18. The cam 18 is rigidlyconnected to a display mount 15 such that both cam 18 and display mount15 rotate about a pivot point 19 together. The display arm 14 pivotallyconnects to both the cam 18 and display mount 15 at pivot point 19. Thecam 18 is constructed such that the radius from the center of the pivotpoint 19 to cable tangent point 17 forms a lever arm that exerts atorque to rotate the cam 18, display mount 15, and display 20. Cableattachment point 13 is positioned such that as display arm 14 pivotsdownward (see dashed arrow indicating direction of movement), the cable16 will ‘unwind’ about cam 18, thereby providing for a correspondingmotion of display mount 15 and display 20. As constructed, the cable 16operates in a single direction—providing a pulling action rather than apush/pull action as the display arm 14 moves.

In one embodiment, the base 22 is made of folded sheet metal with amolded plastic cover. However, base 22 can be made wholly of plastic ormetal or any other material such that it provides a mounting point forhinge parts and is sufficiently rigid to not bend during hingeoperation.

In one embodiment, the cable 16 is made of vinyl coved steel with auniform helical arrangement of wires concentrically stranded together.However, synthetic fiber monofilament, synthetic fiber braided, metalchain, or any other flexible material can be used, provided that it haslittle elasticity relative to its length.

In one embodiment, the cam 18 is circular in shape where it is wrappedby the cable 16. However, the cam 18's shape may be changed to allow forcustomization of display mount 15 tilt during hinge operation.

Display mount 15 further attaches to a back of a display 20 at a secondend of display mount 15, or some definable attachment point alongdisplay mount 15. In one embodiment, display mount 15 is implemented asa rotatable arm, configured to rotate about display arm pivot point 19.FIG. 2 illustrates two display arms 14; however, other embodiments mayemploy a single display arm 14, or even multiple arms beyond two.

Display 20 can be virtually any computer monitor for providing an imageto a user, including, but not limited to a liquid crystal display (LCD)device, or the like. In one embodiment, display 20 may be a computerdisplay device that is configured as a touch screen display that enablesusers to interact and provide inputs to a computing system by touching ascreen of the display 20. Display 20 may provide any of a variety ofmechanisms for attaching to display mount 15, including, but not limitedto bolts, screws, hooks, pin connectors, or the like. For example, inone embodiment a screw element may be employed to attach display 20 todisplay mount 15. By employing such mechanisms, display 20 may beremoved from display mount 15 and/or other display devices may beattached to display mount 15. However, in other embodiments, display 20may be attached to display mount 15 to not be readily removable. Forexample, in one embodiment, display 20 may be glued, soldered, welded,or otherwise permanently attached to display mount 15.

In one embodiment, the display arm pivots points 12 and 19 may beconstructed as a detent hinge, a frictional hinge or any form of hingethat limits display movement when at a desired pivot or tilt position.This may be useful to allow a user to grasp the display 20 and move thedisplay 20 to a desired location and not have the display 20 move afterthe user has released their grasp or when the user is otherwise lightlytouching the display 20's surface.

In one embodiment, a motor, control circuit, and/or capacitive switch orsimilar component may be employed to lock or unlock the display arm'sangle such that when a user touches the switch, the more or othercontrol circuit releases a brake mechanism and allows the display arm topivot. When the user releases the switch, the motor or other controlcircuit activates the brake mechanism to lock the display arm's pivotposition.

Illustrative Operations

The operation of certain aspects of the embodiments will now bedescribed with respect to FIGS. 1A-1C and 2. FIGS. 1A-1C and 2illustrate perspective views of one embodiment of a cable articulatedhinge mounted on a vertical surface with a computer display in variousangled positions. As illustrated, FIG. 1A displays a vertical positionfor the display 20; FIG. 1B illustrates a tilted horizontal position forthe display 20, and FIG. 1C shows a flat horizontal position. FIG. 2illustrates a detailed view of base 22 and its component parts. Itshould be readily apparent to one of skill in the art that suchillustrated positions are non-limiting, and other positions may beobtained when the computer display is rotated about the base, asdescribed further below. Moreover, as stated elsewhere, not allcomponents may be illustrated. For example, base 22 may include anotherwise not shown protective cover for safety, dust protection, or thelike.

In any event, when display 20 is in a vertical position, FIG. 1A,display 20 is in its highest elevation, relative to base 22. As usedherein, the term “vertical,” with respect to display 20 refers to ascreen viewing face of display 20 that is used to display images orother content, being vertical or approximately vertical (or otherwiseparallel with respect to vertical mounting surface 11) within a fewdegrees of tolerance with respect to the force of gravity. Again, FIG.1A illustrates one embodiment of such vertical configuration.

As shown in FIGS. 1B-1C, as display arm 14 is lowered (see dashed arrowindicating direction of movement), such as being repositioned downwardstowards a resting surface like a desk or the like, as display arm 14 islowered, the cable attachment point 13 is positioned such that a lengthbetween attachment point 13 and a tangent point 17 will increase. In oneembodiment, this may result from a rotation of cam 18 about display armpivot point 19. The radius from the center of the pivot point 19 tocable tangent point 17 forms a lever arm that will exert a torque torotate cam 18. Cam 18 will also rotate display mount 15 around displaypivot point 19 and tilt display mount 15 away from base 22, such asillustrated in non-limiting FIG. 1B. As shown, tangent point 17 then isrepositioned closer to an attachment point on cam 18 as cable 16‘unwinds’ from the cam 18.

In one embodiment, the cam 18 is positioned toward the top the display20, relative to the force of gravity when in the vertical position FIG.1A. Having the cam 18 near the top portion of the display 20 allows auser to touch the top of display 20 and not have the touch pressurecause the display 20 to tilt backward. In one embodiment, it is possibleto add a torsion spring between rigid arm 14 and display mount 15 suchthat the display mount 15 is torqued to rotate in the same rotationaldirection as the dashed arrow for FIG. 1A. The added torque from thespring allows the pivot point 19 to be moved closer to the center of thedisplay 20 without a user's touch pressure causing the display 20 totilt backward.

In one embodiment, the horizontal tilt adjustment knob 21 moves thecable attachment point 13 along a semicircular opening in the base 22.The center point of the semicircular opening is the point of tangency 17when the assembly 100 is in the vertical position FIG. 1A. The cableattachment point 13 may be positioned any point in this semicircularopening and not affect the tilt of the display 20 in the verticalposition. When the assembly 100 is lowered from vertical position FIG.1A to a lower position e.g. FIG. 1B the movement of attachment point 13in the semicircular path will have an effect on the displays tilt. Inone embodiment, the path of the adjustment point 13 can be chosen toaffect only horizontal tilt, only vertical tilt or both. In oneembodiment, adjustment screw 23 can also be driven with a motor insteadof a knob 21 such that display 20 tilt can be adjusted electrically.

FIGS. 6A-C provides one non-limiting, non-exhaustive approach fordetermining a cable attachment point location 13, as illustrated inFIGS. 1A-1C and 2, given: display arm pivot location, length of displayarm, diameter of the cam, angle of display arm pivot and display tiltgoes from 90 to 0 degrees with respect to a defined reference, such as atable, wall, or the like. As illustrated, FIG. 6A provides an exampletable of various components shown in FIGS. 6B-6C, in a first column,example mechanisms for determining values for the various components inthe second column, and comments in the last columns. While FIGS. 6A-Cillustrates one approach, others are also envisaged, and thus otherembodiments are not to be construed as being limited to that illustratedin FIGS. 6A-B.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Other embodiments are also envisaged. For example, FIG. 3 illustratesone embodiment of a perspective view of a freestanding base 32 attachedto a similar cam actuated cable hinge as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. Using afreestanding base 32 with the hinge apparatus 300, allows the display 20to be used as in a more traditional computer display monitor applicationwhen in the vertical position. In one embodiment, the horizontal tiltadjustment knob 31 extends out the back of the hinge, rather than beingin the front of the hinge as shown in FIG. 2. The horizontal tiltadjustment knob 31 operates by the similar to the previous embodiment ofFIGS. 1A-1C and FIG. 2. When the horizontal tilt adjustment knob 31 isturned clockwise or counterclockwise it will move cable attachment point13 towards or away from the horizontal tilt adjustment knob 31. Thismovement will most affect the tilt of display 20 in the horizontalposition but not affect the tilt of the display 20 in the verticalposition. A torsion spring holder 30 contains a torsion spring (notshown) that attaches at one end of the torsion spring to display arm 14and at an other end of the spring to base 32, such that a counter torqueis imparted on display arm 14 when display arm 14 is lowered.

FIG. 4 illustrates another alternate embodiment of a perspective view ofa base 32 having a cable 16 directly connected to display holder and atwo axis adjustable cable connection point at the base. Apparatus 400 ofFIG. 4 shows a display arm 14, display holder 47 and display tablet 46in vertical position 43. As the display tablet 46 is lowered asindicated by the dashed arrow the cable 16 pulls against the movement ofdisplay arm 14. This creates a lever arm between cable connection point45 and pivot point 19 to exert a torque that rotates display holder 47around pivot point 19 and tilts display tablet 46 away from display base32 into a horizontal position.

In one embodiment, the cable connection point at the base 48 isconnected by two screws. A horizontal tilt adjustment screw 40 isconnected to a mounting bracket 41 via a pilotable threaded stud. Thehorizontal tilt adjustment screw 40 moves the cable attachment point 48primarily towards or away the display tablet 46 when the display tablet46 is in a horizontal position 49. The horizontal tilt adjustment screw40's movement of attachment point 48 is not liner as it follows the arcof swing of the vertical cable adjustment screw 42. Rotation, clockwiseor counterclockwise, of the horizontal adjustment screw 40 may affectthe tilt of the tablet 46 when in the horizontal position 49 but mayalso affect the display's tilt in other positions. A vertical tiltadjustment screw 42 is connected to a mounting bracket 41 via apilotable threaded stud. The vertical tilt adjustment screw 42 moves thecable attachment point 48 primarily towards or away from the displaytablet 46 when the display tablet 46 is in the vertical position 43. Thevertical tilt adjustment screw 42's movement of attachment point 48 isnot liner as it follows the arc of swing of the horizontal cableadjustment screw 40. Rotation, clockwise or counterclockwise, of thevertical adjustment screw 42 may affect the tilt of the display tablet46 when in the vertical position 43 but may also affect the display'stilt in other positions.

In one embodiment, display tablet 46 is a detachable computer displaytablet that may be coupled to display arm 14 through display holder 47.However, in other embodiments, display table 46 may be permanentlyaffixed to display holder 47.

In one embodiment, extension spring 44 connects at one end to displayarm 14 and at an other end to mounting bracket 41 such that a countertorque is imparted on display arm 14 when it is lowered. One or multipleextension springs may be used.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a perspective view of a mountedhinge having a portion of display arm rotation that allows for a slackcable. Apparatus 500 of FIG. 5 shows base 50 mounted on vertical surface11. When display 20 is in vertical position 53, cable 16 is slack suchthat cable 16 may hang loosely between attachment points 50 and offsetcam 52. As the display arm 14 is rotated downward, as indicated by thedashed arrows, display arm 14 reaches a rotation point 54 where thecable 16 becomes taut. At this point, the display 20 can either tilttoward or away from the base 50. In one embodiment, the display 20 tiltsaway from the base 50 as shown in FIG. 5. In one embodiment, a cam 52 isattached to display 20 and wrapped by cable 16 such that when the cablebecomes taut the cam 52 will impart a torque on the display 20 to biasthe display's tilt to rotate away from the base 50, and into ahorizontal position. The biasing action can also be accomplished byincorporating a torsion spring between the display 20 and the displayarm 14 such that the display is biased to rotate away from the base 50.Once the cable becomes taut, a lever aim created between the pivot point19 and cable tangent point at cam 53 imparts a torque to rotate thedisplay 20 away from the base 50.

In one embodiment, cable 16 is attached to the display base 50 at afixed point 51. This configuration has the advantage of simplifiedmechanical complexity.

In one embodiment the display 20 does not incorporate a display mountand is directly coupled with the display arm 14 and cable attachmentpoint 52.

As disclosed above, various embodiments are directed towards providinguseful mechanisms for using a cable actuated hinge to move a displayfrom an elevated vertical position away from the user to a lowerhorizontal position closer to the user are among the considerations,that embodiments of the present invention have been made.

Further, various embodiments provide a useful mechanism for a cableactuated hinge. While the specific embodiments contain many methods ofconnecting a base to a *display via a cable and display arm they eachshare at least one common theme—that the display is pivotally connectedto a base by at least one arm, the arm(s) also pivotally connect to a*display, and one or more cable(s) connect between the base and the*display, such that when the *display is lowered the cable pulls on thedisplay to impart a torque at arm(s) pivot point to rotate the *displayaway from the base.

It is noted that still other embodiments are envisaged. For example, itis possible to combine different features of the embodiments to createyet additional embodiments to suit a given need. For example, bycombining a direct cable attachment point at display holder in FIG. 4with a slack cable design of FIG. 5, it's possible to create a moremechanically simple design.

The above specification, examples, and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition variousembodiments. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent ofthe United States is:
 1. An apparatus usable to support a computermonitor, the apparatus comprising: a hinge base assembly; at least onedisplay arm having a first end that is pivotally connected to the hingebase assembly and a second end that is pivotally coupled to a displayholder for the computer monitor at a pivot point; and a cable having afirst end that is pivotally connected to the hinge base assembly, and asecond end that is rotationally coupled to a display holder for thecomputer monitor at a cable connection point that is at a differentlocation on the display holder than the pivot point, such that when thedisplay arm is lowered, a lever arm between the cable connection pointand the pivot point is created that exerts a torque rotating the displayholder around the pivot point to tilt the display holder and computermonitor from at least a vertical position to a horizontal position.